"闘争なしに情熱はほとんどありません。"

Struggle is a part of life. You can't avoid it. And when it comes to passion—the things we love and care deeply about—struggle is almost always in the mix. Imagine you’re madly passionate about painting. You spend hours mixing colors, practicing strokes, and trying to capture that perfect image in your mind. But it’s not easy, right? There are days when nothing seems to work, and you could tear your canvas to shreds in frustration. That's the struggle mixed with passion.

Historically, this idea isn't anything new. Think about the great artists, inventors, or leaders throughout time. Van Gogh, for instance, lived a life full of struggles. He battled mental health issues and poverty, yet he painted with a passion that we still admire today. His passion fueled his struggle, and vice versa. Without that intense drive, would he have pushed through all the hardships? Probably not.

Here’s a real-life example: J.K. Rowling's journey with the “Harry Potter” series. She wrote the first book while going through a tough time—unemployed, living on welfare, and a single mother. She faced numerous rejections from publishers. But she had a burning passion for her story and characters. That passion kept her going despite the struggles. Can you imagine a world without Harry Potter? Her struggle was a vital part of her eventual success.

So, how can you apply this idea to your life? First, recognize that struggle isn't the enemy—it's part of the process. When you’re passionate about something, whether it's a career, hobby, or relationship, expect some bumps in the road. When those challenges come, don't see them as signs to quit. Instead, view them as steps on the path to where you want to go. Embrace them, learn from them, and let them fuel your drive.

Think about a relatable scenario: Imagine you're passionate about starting your own bakery. You love baking, and you dream of sharing your creations with the world. But guess what? The path isn't smooth. You face early mornings, long hours, financial hurdles, and perhaps even failed recipes. You might burn a few cakes or have days where customers are few. It’s exhausting and sometimes disheartening. But your passion for baking and your dream of owning a successful bakery push you through. You learn, adapt, and eventually, you find your rhythm. Your cakes get better, your customer base grows, and your little bakery thrives. Without the struggle, the sweet taste of success wouldn’t be as rewarding.

In a nutshell, passion and struggle are two sides of the same coin. They coexist, and that's why the achievements born from your passion feel so fulfilling. So next time you find yourself knee-deep in challenges, remember: it's all part of the journey. Your struggles are shaping your passion into something even more powerful and meaningful. Keep pushing, keep loving what you do, and let the struggle make your passion even brighter.